Secure Computer Unit- Or Else!

As computer systems get more complex, the need to keep them up to date is crucial for preventing data loss and maintaining the security and privacy of your information. A compromised computer affects all the other computers on campus because we are connected to the same network. The speed of and reliability of our network can be affected because compromised computers may cause large amounts of network traffic and often attack computers that are vulnerable Therefore it is important that you keep your computer up to date.

1) Patch & Update Your Operating System

Windows 7, Vista XP and OS X are the currently the most popular operating systems and the most attacked. If you use another OS, such as Linux, be sure you know how to update it so as to be safe. Attacks on linux are less common but can happen.

2) Protect Your Computer from Viruses and Worms

Viruses and Worms are two of the biggest cyber security threats. They spread by infecting insecure computers that, in turn, infect other insecure computers. For protection from dangerous e-mail, Rhodes ITS scans all incoming and outgoing e-mail for suspicious attachments. Some attachments, such as .exe or .com files, are not allowed to be received in e-mail from the Internet because they are frequently used for spreading viruses.

3) Uninstall Things You Do Not Need

A new PC is bound to come out of the box already fitted with items the security pro doesn’t care for. Certain media players may cause heartburn, for example. Or the machine could simply include programs that, from the security practitioner’s point of view, makes other, more important applications perform more slowly than they otherwise would. PC manufacturers have become notorious for installing trial software versions and other unnecessary programs.

4) Do Not Use Internet Explorer

Install Firefox, Chrome or any alternative browser. Let’s face it: Despite all the effort Microsoft has put into making Internet Explorer more secure, one is hard-pressed to find an IT security administrator who truly feels safe using it. And so one of the first things they do is install an alternative browser- usually Firefox.

5) Install NoScript and other Firefox add-ons,

Nearly everyone who said they install Firefox said they also grab the NoScript add-on, which only lets trusted websites (the user’s online bank, for instance) run JavaScript, Java, Flash and other plug-ins, and defends users from cross-site scripting (XSS) and clickjacking attacks. It uses a whitelisting approach that blocks scripts that may attempt to exploit security vulnerabilities without loss of functionality.

Following the above tips, one can rest easy and use one’s computer with peace of mind Always remember that being vigilant about your habits on the net and your email is the best way to prevent harm to your computer. You can even have a VPN installed like the one in the TorGuard Review.